Woodgate - Britannia a fortress

Jonathan Woodgate claims 'nobody likes coming to Stoke', but says the Potters have used that to their advantage and made their home a fortress.

Last Updated: 12/12/11 3:40pm

Jonathan Woodgate: Feels Stoke are a match for anybody in front of their own supporters

Jonathan Woodgate claims 'nobody likes coming to Stoke', but says the Potters have used that to their advantage and made their home a fortress.

Tony Pulis' side moved into eighth spot in the Premier League table on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over in-form Tottenham.

They have now picked up three straight wins and seen off Spurs and Blackburn in their last two outings at the Britannia Stadium.

A tricky autumn has been quickly forgotten, with the Potters having also booked their place in the knockout stage of the Europa League.

Confidence has returned to the camp and Stoke has once again become an unhappy hunting ground for outsiders.

Woodgate said: "It was a great win against a top team in Tottenham.

"They are going for the league title but it is hard to come to Stoke and get three points. We are 11 men - a strong team.

"Nobody likes coming to Stoke. The referee doesn't like coming, the journalists don't like coming, the police don't like coming. Nobody likes coming to Stoke, apart from us.

"We are a match for anyone at home. We don't make it easy for teams and long may that continue."

Fitness

Sunday's meeting with his former employers saw Woodgate make his 12th start of the season, with 10 of those coming in the Premier League, and the 31-year-old admits he is thoroughly enjoying himself after leaving his injury troubles in the past.

He said: "I am delighted with every win, not just because it is against Tottenham. I want to win every game.

"I am happy with my fitness. That was my 12th or 13th game, which bodes well. I am playing football matches. That is all I wanted to do when I was younger.

"When you are injured it is not nice but when you start playing, you're fine again."